The Secret in Sandcastles by Rachael Bloome

Author:Rachael Bloome
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Secret Garden Press

Chapter 15

The fire crackled, sending amber sparks flitting into the obsidian sky. An endless swath of glittering stars canopied Pinedrop Rafting’s base camp, while an army of silhouetted pines stood guard around the perimeter. Although she could still hear the rumble of the river through the trees, she felt safe here—protected. But her sense of security had less to do with her sheltered location and everything to do with the man standing just beyond the campfire, surrounded by fellow rafters eager to recount the details of his heroic rescue.

She still couldn’t believe he’d jumped into the dangerous current, risking his life to save hers. And each time he looked past the crowd of gushing fans to catch her eye, her stomach fluttered.

“You are so lucky.” A young twentysomething woman wearing a hot-pink tank top emblazoned with the words Team Bride plopped onto the log beside her and snatched the bag of marshmallows. “Your boyfriend is a hero and superhot.”

“We were on the raft behind you guys.” A petite brunette with a matching tank top squeezed onto the log between them, nearly stabbing Penny with her s’more skewer. “I wish we’d been close enough to see the whole thing go down. I heard he didn’t even hesitate before diving into the river after you.”

Tugging the wool blanket tighter around her shoulders, Penny shuffled over a few inches to give them room. She thought about correcting their assumption that she and Colt were a couple. But rather than have the entire bachelorette party converge on him like a swarm of flirtatious bees, she merely smiled and focused on her slowly browning marshmallow.

“I wonder if Ansel would do the same thing for me.” The bride—as denoted by her white tank top—puckered her lips in a contemplative pout.

“Of course he would!” her posse rushed to assure her. Although, she didn’t look entirely convinced.

A twig snapped, drawing their attention to the other side of the campfire.

“He’s coming over here,” the brunette squealed under her breath.

“Come on, ladies. Let’s give the lovebirds some privacy.” With an authoritative sweep of her hand, the bride gathered her dutiful followers to the second firepit, tossing Penny a wink over her shoulder as she waggled her ring finger suggestively.

Flustered, Penny diverted her gaze into the bright flames, hoping the heat would camouflage her telltale blush as Colt approached.

“Still working on the same marshmallow?” he asked with a playful smile.

“I like to take my time.” She glanced up, meeting his gaze, and instantly regretted the decision. His mesmerizing blue eyes radiated a tender warmth that traveled all the way to the tips of her toes.

“You’re a fan of the slow-and-steady approach, huh?” He settled on the log next to her, so close their thighs touched. Her heart raced as he reached across her for a skewer and marshmallow. His heady scent mixed with the smoky aroma of burning cedar and smoldering pine needles, overwhelming her senses to the point of distraction.

She swallowed past the sudden dryness in her throat. “Let me

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